Forsyth County Government announced Thursday it has launched a new emergency notification system known as "Alert Forsyth."
The county said in a press release that the new system will allow citizens to receive real-time alerts and instructions about imminent, local threats to health or safety via text messages, phone calls or emails.
All Forsyth County residents, as well as those who frequently visit or work in the county, can sign up for the Alert Forsyth system in one of two ways.
The first option is to click here, then click "Sign Up for Alert Forsyth."
For the second option, community members can download the Everbridge app for iOS or Android devices and search for "Alert Forsyth" to sign up.
"Forsyth County is excited to add this innovative lifesaving solution as part of our comprehensive approach to mitigate and respond to emergencies,” said Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency and 911 Center Director Tom Cisco. “Alert Forsyth is a powerful enhancement to our already robust ways we share critical information in a timely way with residents and visitors to help protect lives and property during emergencies.”
When registering for Alert Forsyth, citizens can choose their preferred alert delivery method(s), the times they wish to receive alerts and the kind of weather alerts they want to receive. Citizens can also opt in or out of the notification system anytime.
Alert Forsyth is powered by Everbridge, Inc. software that includes a database pre-loaded with listed local landlines, voice over internet as well as cellular business and residential phone numbers. All registration information for Alert Forsyth is protected, and neither Forsyth County nor Everbridge will ever sell or use confidential registration information for any purpose other than public alerts.
Alert Forsyth is a free service, but mobile carrier message and data rates may apply.
The system is administered by the Forsyth County EMA and 911 Center and will also be used by the Forsyth County Fire Department, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office and if needed by other Forsyth County departments for emergency response.
"In addition to Alert Forsyth, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow Forsyth County on social media, visit forsythco.com and take heed of other alerts delivered during emergencies for important updates and information as they become available," the release said.
To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit the Forsyth County EMA webpage and follow Forsyth County EMA & 911 on Facebook.
